Stirring wand

ABSTRACT

A stirring wand is configured for selective engagement with a mixing device. The stirring wand comprises a substantially vertical portion having an upper end and a lower end, a first tapered surface that includes a first pitch angle proximate the upper end of the substantially vertical portion and a second pitch angle proximate the lower end of the substantially vertical portion, a substantially horizontal portion having a base and a distal tip, and a second tapered surface extending from the base to the distal tip. The second tapered surface includes a third pitch angle proximate the base and a fourth pitch angle proximate the tip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/070,015, filed Nov. 1, 2013, entitled STIRRING WAND, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/783,193, filed Mar. 1, 2013, entitled COOKING AND MIXING APPLIANCEKIT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,241,595, both of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties. The present application is alsorelated to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/070,001, filedNov. 1, 2013, entitled ELECTRIC STIRRING TOWER WITH LID, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,693,649; and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/070,030, filed Nov. 1, 2013, entitled MULTI COOKER AND STIR TOWERWITH DOCKING STATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,103, both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The device is in the field of electrical appliances for cooking andmixing food items within a container.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect, a cooking appliance kit includes a housinghaving a plurality of walls defining a heating cavity and a cookingvessel configured to be inserted into the heating cavity. The cookingvessel includes a first rounded end, a second rounded end, and anintermediate necked portion that defines first and second wells that atleast partially intersect. The housing also includes first and secondand distinct heater plates disposed in the first and second wells,respectively. An arcuate dividing wall is disposed in the heating cavitybetween the first and second distinct heater plates. First and seconddrive arms are removably engaged to a top portion of the housing and inoperable communication with a drive system. A flipping wand isconfigured for removable engagement with the first drive arm and astirring wand is configured for removable engagement with the seconddrive arm. A lid is pivotally coupled to the housing and operablebetween the open and closed positions.

In at least another aspect, a cooking appliance kit includes a housinghaving a drive system and a plurality of walls that define a heatingcavity. A cooking vessel is configured to be inserted into the heatingcavity where the cooking vessel includes first and second wells that atleast partially intersect. An arcuate dividing wall is disposed in theheating cavity and removably coupled to the cooking vessel. First andsecond distinct heater plates are disposed on the first and secondwells, respectively. First and second drive arms are removably coupledto the housing in an operable communication with the drive system.

In at least another aspect, a cooking appliance kit includes a housinghaving a plurality of walls defining a heating cavity. A cooking vesselis configured to be inserted into the heating cavity. The cooking vesselincludes a first rounded end, a second rounded end, and an intermediatenecked portion that defines first and second wells that at leastpartially intersect. First and second distinct heater plates aredisposed in the first and second wells, respectively. First and seconddrive arms are removable coupled to the housing in an operablecommunication with the drive system. The first drive arm includes aflipping wand and the second drive arm includes a stirring wand.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artby reference to the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the cookingappliance kit;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the cooking appliance kit of FIG. 1showing the lid in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of the cooking appliance kit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the cooking appliance kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a first side elevational view of the cooking appliance kit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front side elevational view of the cooking appliance kit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear side elevational view of the cooking appliance kit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the cookingappliance kit of FIG. 1 with the lids removed;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance kit of FIG.4, taken at line VIIIA-VIIIA;

FIG. 9 is an exploded top perspective view of the cooking appliance kitof FIG. 1 with the lid and the drive arms removed;

FIG. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of the cooking appliance kitof FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the cookingvessel and dividing wall;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the cooking vessel and dividing wall ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded top perspective view of the cooking vessel anddividing wall of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the dividingwall;

FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the dividing wall of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the dividing wall of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the dividing wall of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cooking vessel and dividingwall of FIG. 12 taken at line XVIII-XVIII;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the drivearms and drive system;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the drive arms of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the drive arms of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the drive arms of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thecooking appliance kit;

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the cooking appliance kit of FIG.23 with the lid in the open position;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a stirring wand;

FIG. 26 is a first side elevational view of the stirring wand of FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is a second side elevational view of the stirring wand of FIG.25;

FIG. 28 is a third side elevational view of the stirring wand of FIG.25;

FIG. 29 is a fourth side elevational view of the stirring wand of FIG.25;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the stirring wand of FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the stirring wand of FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the flippingwand;

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of the flipping wand of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a first side elevational view of the flipping wand of FIG.32;

FIG. 35 is a second side elevational view of the flipping wand of FIG.32;

FIG. 36 is a third side elevational view of the flipping wand of FIG.32;

FIG. 37 is a fourth side elevational view of the flipping wand of FIG.32;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the flipping wand of FIG. 32;

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the flipping wand of FIG. 32;

FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the combinationwand;

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of the combination wand of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a first side elevational view of the combination wand of FIG.40;

FIG. 43 is a second side elevational view of the combination wand ofFIG. 40;

FIG. 44 is a third side elevational view of the combination wand of FIG.40;

FIG. 45 is a fourth side elevational view of the combination wand ofFIG. 40;

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the combination wand of FIG. 40;

FIG. 47 is a bottom plan view of the combination wand of FIG. 40;

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the user interface;

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the userinterface;

FIG. 50 is a first top perspective view of another embodiment of thecooking appliance;

FIG. 51 is a second top perspective view of the cooking appliance ofFIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a top perspective view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 50,with the mixing arm in the idle position;

FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the cooking appliance with thestirring tower in the distal position;

FIG. 54 is a partially exploded top perspective view of anotherembodiment of the cooking appliance with the lid removed;

FIG. 55 is a first side view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 50;

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 50;

FIG. 57 is a second side elevation of the cooking appliance of FIG. 50;

FIG. 58 is a third side elevation of the cooking appliance of FIG. 50;

FIG. 59 is a fourth side elevation of the cooking appliance of FIG. 50;

FIG. 60 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the cooking vesselfor the cooking appliance;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 59taken at line LXI-LXI;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 55taken at line LXII-LXII;

FIG. 63 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the cookingappliance of FIG. 50;

FIG. 64 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of thestirring tower;

FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the mixingarm for the cooking appliance;

FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the cookingportion of the cooking appliance;

FIG. 67 is a partially exploded top view of another embodiment of thecooking appliance;

FIG. 68 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the cookingappliance with the operable lid in the open position;

FIG. 69 is a partially exploded top perspective view of anotherembodiment of the cooking appliance with the lid removed and the mixingarm having an integral alignment ring in the idle position;

FIG. 70 is a partially exploded top perspective view of anotherembodiment of the cooking appliance with the alignment ring installedand the mixing arm in the idle position;

FIG. 71 is a partial exploded perspective view of the cooking applianceof FIG. 70; and

FIG. 72 is a partially exploded top perspective view of anotherembodiment of the cooking appliance with the notched lid removed and themixing arm in the idle position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it isto be understood that the device may assume various alternativeorientations except for expressly specified to the contrary. It is alsoto be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated inthe attached drawings and described in the following specification aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the reference numeral 10 generally refersto a cooking appliance kit that includes a housing 12 and a cookingvessel 14. The housing 12 has a plurality of walls that define a heatingcavity 16. The cooking vessel 14 is configured to be inserted into theheating cavity 16, where the cooking vessel 14 includes a first roundedend 18, a second rounded end 20 and an intermediate necked portion 22that defines first and second wells 24, 26 that at least partiallyintersect. First and second distinct heater plates 28, 30 are disposedproximate the first and second wells 24, 26, respectively. An arcuatedividing wall 32 is disposed in the heating cavity 16 between the firstand second distinct heater plates 28, 30. First and second drive arms34, 36 are removably engaged to a top flange 38 of the housing 12 andare in operable communication with a drive system 40. A flipping wand 44is configured for removable engagement with the first drive arm 34, anda stirring wand 42 is configured for removable engagement with thesecond drive arm 36. A lid 46 is pivotally coupled to the housing 12 andis operable between open and closed positions.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-10, the housing 812 includes a bottom panel70 that includes an exterior flange 72 having wall support members 74.The bottom panel 70 is disposed below the heating cavity 16 of thehousing 812. The bottom panel 70 also includes a drive support structure76 for receiving and supporting an electric motor 78 and the drivesystem 40 of the cooking appliance kit 10. A plurality of support feet80 are also disposed on an underside 82 of the bottom panel 70. Aplurality of venting members 84 are disposed in the bottom panel 70 toallow heat to escape a housing interior 86. At least one of the ventingmembers 84 is disposed on a recessed portion 88 of the bottom panel 70.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, The exterior flange 72 and wall supportmembers 74 are disposed around a perimeter of the bottom panel 70 wherethe wall support members 74 are disposed proximate an inward surface 90of the exterior flange 72. The wall support members 74 are configured toreceive mechanical fasteners to support a front wall 92, an intermediatewall 94 and a rear wall 96 that define the housing 12. The front wall 92includes a front panel 110 and two side panels 112. Front quarter panels114 connect the front panel 110 and the two side panels 112. An interiorpanel 116 is coupled between the two side panels 112, where an interiorsurface 118 of the front wall 92 defines an interstitial cavity 120. Aswill be more fully described herein, the interstitial cavity 120 isdesigned to receive controls 122 of the cooking appliance kit 10.Venting members 84 are disposed on the front quarter panels 114 toprovide a fluid communication between the interstitial cavity 120 on thehousing exterior 124 to provide ventilation within the interstitialcavity 120 and to allow heat to escape the interstitial cavity 120.

As also shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, an intermediate wall 94 can also beincluded, wherein the intermediate wall 94 includes two intermediateside panels 142, an intermediate panel 144 and two intermediate quarterpanels 146 that connect the intermediate panel 144 with the twointermediate side panels 142 of the intermediate wall 94. Additionalventing members 84 can be disposed in the intermediate quarter panels146 to provide fluid communication between the housing interior 86 andthe housing exterior 124 and to allow heat to escape the housinginterior 86. A rear wall 96 includes a rear panel 160 and two rearquarter panels 162.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 10, a plurality ofconnecting flanges 180 are disposed on ends of the front, intermediate,and rear walls 92, 94, 96. Each connecting flange 180 of the front andintermediate walls 92, 94 are configured to engage another connectingflange 180 to couple the front wall 92 and the intermediate wall 94that, at least partially, define a main cavity 186. Each connectingflange 180 of the rear wall 96 couples with an outer surface 188 of theintermediate wall 94 to define a secondary cavity 190. As will be morefully described below, the main cavity 186 is configured to receive aheating cavity wall 192, and the secondary cavity 190 is configured toreceive mechanical aspects of the cooking appliance kit 10, including,but not limited to, the electric motor 78 and at least a portion of thedrive system 40.

As also shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, the lower edges 210 of the front,intermediate, and rear walls 92, 94, 96 include a plurality of lowersupport flanges 212. The plurality of lower support flanges 212 areconfigured to be coupled to the wall support members 74 of the bottompanel 70. In addition, at least one lower support flange 212 of theintermediate wall 94 is adapted to be coupled with an interior flange214 of the bottom panel 70. In this manner, the front, intermediate, andrear walls 92, 94, 96 are coupled to the bottom panel 70. The front wall92, the intermediate wall 94 and the bottom panel 70 define the maincavity 186. The connecting flanges 180 of the rear wall 96 areconfigured to connect with the outer surface 188 of the intermediatewall 94 proximate the intermediate panel 144 and the two intermediatequarter panels 146. The rear wall 96, the intermediate panel 144, andthe bottom panel 70 define a secondary cavity 190.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, upper edges 230 of the front,intermediate, and rear walls 92, 94, 96 that comprise a plurality ofupper support flanges 232, each of which is configured to couple withthe heating cavity wall 192. In this manner, the heating cavity wall 192is coupled to the front, intermediate, and rear walls 92, 94, 96. Inaddition, the bottom panel 70 can also include a plurality of cavitysupports 234 for receiving a base of the heating cavity wall 192.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 10, the bottom panel 70 can bemade of substantially rigid material that is able to be formed, wheresuch materials can include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals,composite materials, or a combination thereof. The front, intermediate,and rear walls 92, 94, 96 and the heating cavity wall 192, can be madeof a substantially rigid material that can be easily formed and can alsowithstand heating levels that are commonly experienced within kitchencooking appliances. These materials can include, but are not limited to,metals. While less preferred, plastics and composite materials can alsobe used.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, the front wall 92, theintermediate wall 94 and the rear wall 96 are connected together usingrigid connections that can include, but are not limited to, welds oradhesives. In addition, these connections can include mechanicalfasteners that include, but are not limited to, screw fasteners, nut andbolt fasteners, and the like. The welding, adhesive and mechanicalfasteners described above can also be used to connect the heating cavitywall 192 to the front, intermediate, and rear walls 92, 94, 96. Thefront, intermediate, and rear walls 92, 94, 96 are connected to thebottom panel 70 through the use of mechanical fasteners as describedabove and disposed through the lower support flanges 212 and the wallsupport members 74. In alternate embodiments, depending upon thematerial used to form the bottom panel 70, and the front 92,intermediate 94, and rear 96 walls, welds or adhesives can also be used.

Referring back to FIGS. 1, 2, 4-6 and 8-10, the illustrated embodimentincludes a storage container 250 having a storage container insert 252operably coupled with the housing exterior 124. In addition, as will bemore fully described below, the controls 122 for the various aspects ofthe cooking appliance kit 10 can be disposed within the interstitialcavity 120, and a user interface 862 for the controls 122 can bedisposed on the housing exterior 124 proximate the interstitial cavity120. As will be more fully discussed below, it is contemplated that theuser interface 254 can include manual controls such as levers, switches,dials, knobs, and the like. In alternate embodiments, it is contemplatedthat the user interface 862 can also include, but are not limited to,electrical, digital, pushbutton, or touch screen controls.

Referring again to FIGS. 8A and 10, the heating cavity wall 192 includesopposing arcuate sidewalls 270 and a substantially leminiscate base 272that cooperatively define the heating cavity 16. The opposing arcuatesidewalls 270 define substantially frusto-conical first and secondheating subcavities 274, 276 where the first and second heatingsubcavities 274, 276 at least partially intersect. The first and seconddistinct heater plates 28, 30 are disposed within the first and secondheating subcavities 274, 276, respectively, proximate the leminiscatebase 272. The first and second distinct heater plates 28, 30 areseparated by an intermediate heating cavity portion 278 defined by theintersection of the opposing arcuate sidewalls 270 of the heating cavity16.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, the first and second distinct heater plates28, 30 are configured to be in communication with at least a portion ofthe controls 122. The controls 122 are configured, in part, toselectively and independently control the flow of voltage to the firstand second distinct heater plates 28, 30 and to allow the first andsecond distinct heater plates 28, 30 to independently control theheating levels within the first and second heating subcavities 274, 276.In addition, first and second distinct side heaters 278, 280 aredisposed adjacent to the arcuate sidewalls 270. The first and seconddistinct side heaters 278, 280 are configured to apply additional heatto the cooking vessel 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the top flange 38 of the heating cavitywall 192 extends outward from cavity wall rim 290 of the heating cavity16. The top flange 38 is configured to be received by and connected tothe upper support flanges 232 of the front, intermediate, and rear walls92, 94, 96. In addition, and as will be more fully described below, thetop flange 38 defines first and second drive shaft openings 292, 294that provide a fluid communication between the secondary cavity 190 andthe top surface of the top flange 38, such that the drive system 40 canpass through the first and second drive shaft openings 292, 294 andfluidly communicate with the first and second heating subcavities 274,276. The top flange 38 can also include first and second drive arminterfaces 296, 298 that are configured to selectively receive first andsecond arm connectors 300, 302 of the first and second drive arms 34, 36to secure the first and second drive arms 34, 36 to the top flange 38.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 9-10, the top flange 38 also includes ahinge receptacle 320 for receiving the lid hinge 322 of a lid assembly324. The lid assembly 324 includes the lid 842 having first and secondlid members 326, 328, coupled with a lid hinge 322 including operablefirst and second operable hinge plates 330, 332 that are coupled withthe lid hinge 322. A hinge pin 334 couples the first and second operablehinge plates 330, 332 to the lid hinge 322. The first and secondoperable hinge plates 330, 332 are coupled to the first and second lidmembers 326, 328, wherein the first and second lid members 326, 328 areindependently and selectively operable between open and closedpositions. The first and second lid members 326, 328 can include ahandle portion 336 to enable a user of the cooking appliance kit 10 tooperate the first and second lid members 326, 328 between the open andclosed positions. The lid assembly 324 is disposed at the top flange 38and is configured such that the first and second lid members 326, 328independently define closed positions where the first and second lidmembers 326, 328 extend over the first and second heating subcavities274, 276, respectively.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-10, the lid hinge 322 of the lid assembly 324can include a stop mechanism 338 that defines an open position for thefirst and second lid members 326, 328, wherein the first and second lidmembers 326, 328 are allowed to rotate about the hinge pin 334 greaterthan 90° and selectively engage the stop mechanism 338 to substantiallyprevent the first and second lid members 326, 328 from falling closedand also to substantially prevent the user from having to continuouslyhold open the first and second lid members 326, 328 in order to accessthe heating cavity 16 or the first or second heating subcavities 274,276. In addition, one of the first and second lid members 326, 328 mayinclude a support tab such that raising one of the lids 326, 328 willalso raise the other of the lids 326, 328.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the first and second lid members 326, 328can be made of a glass or plastic material that can substantially resistheating levels commonly seen in kitchen heating appliances. The firstand second lid members 326, 328 are also substantially translucent toallow a user to view the various cooking and mixing operations of thecooking appliance kit 10 without opening either of the first or secondlid members 326, 328. In other alternate embodiments, the first andsecond lid members 326, 328 can be made of metals, ceramics, or othersubstantially heat resistant material.

In alternate embodiments, the lid assembly 324 can include a single lid46. In another alternate embodiment, the lid assembly 324 can include alid coupling mechanism that selectively couples the first and second lidmembers 326, 328 such that the first and second lid members 326, 328 arecollectively operable between open and closed positions.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as best illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 11-18, the cooking appliance kit 10 includes a cookingvessel 14 and a selectively operable arcuate dividing wall 32. Thecooking vessel 14 is configured to be selectively inserted into theheating cavity 16 and includes first and second rounded ends 18, 20. Theintermediate necked portion 22 is defined by the intersection of thefirst and second rounded ends 18, 20. Moreover, the first and secondrounded ends 18, 20 and the intermediate necked portion 22 cooperativelydefine the first and second wells 24, 26 that at least partiallyintersect. The cooking vessel 14 can be made of heat conductivematerials that include, but are not limited to glass, ceramic materials,and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first and second rounded ends 18, 20 andthe intermediate necked portion 22 define a substantially leminiscatecooking vessel volume 350 and a substantially leminiscate cooking vesselbase 352. The cooking vessel base 352 is configured to rest on the firstand second distinct heater plates 28, 30 proximate the leminiscate base272 of the heating cavity wall 192 (shown in FIG. 10). In this manner,the first and second distinct heater plates 28, 30 provide selectiveindependent heating to the first and second wells 24, 26 of the cookingvessel 14, respectively, and provide selective thermal communicationbetween the first and second distinct heater plates 28, 30 and thecooking vessel volume 350.

Referring again to FIGS. 2, 8, 8A, and 9, the first and second roundedends 18, 20 of the cooking vessel 14 can be configured to selectivelyengage at least a portion of the heating cavity wall 192. Upper ends 230of the first and second rounded ends 18, 20 and the intermediate neckportion define a rim 236 of the cooking vessel 14. The rim 236 caninclude a flared rim flange 348 that extends outwardly from the firstand second wells 24, 26. The flared rim flange 348 can be configured toselectively extend over at least a portion of the cavity wall rim 290 ofthe heating cavity wall 192.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 11-13, in various embodiments, theintermediate necked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 14 is disposedwithin the cooking vessel volume 350 proximate the intersection of thefirst and second wells 24, 26. The first and second rounded ends 18, 20include a substantially oblong outer surface 386 of the cooking vessel14. The first and second round ends 18, 20 and the intermediate neckedportion 22 define a leminiscate cooking vessel volume 350.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 18, the cooking vessel base 352 can include aperimeter fillet 354 that extends from a perimeter of the cooking vesselbase 352 and couples the cooking vessel base 352 to the first and secondrounded ends 18, 20 of the cooking vessel 14. The perimeter fillet 354substantially rounds the cooking vessel volume 350 between the cookingvessel base 352 and the first and second rounded ends 18, 20 andsubstantially directs the contents of the cooking vessel volume 350toward the respective first and second well centers 356, 358 of thefirst and second wells 24, 26.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 11-13, the first and second wells24, 26 substantially define frusto-conical volumes that at leastpartially intersect at the intermediate necked portion 22. As will befurther described below, the first and second wells 24, 26 define firstand second mixing zones 370, 372, respectively. The intersection of thefirst and second wells 24, 26 further defines an intersection 368 of thefirst and second mixing zones 370, 372, wherein food contents containedwithin the cooking vessel volume 350 can be cooperatively mixed withinthe first and second mixing zones 370, 372, thereby increasing themixing ability of the cooking appliance kit 10 within each of the firstand second wells 24, 26, and the cooking vessel volume 350 as a whole.The first and second mixing zones 370, 372 can intersect in the areadefined by the intermediate necked portion 22. In an alternateembodiment, the walls of the vessel 14 include a stepped configurationin order to accommodate, accept or rest cooking accessory inserts, suchas steaming baskets, raised warming plates for bread, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 13-18, another aspect of the cookingappliance kit 810 includes an arcuate dividing wall 32 that isselectively removable from the cooking vessel 818. The arcuate dividingwall 32 is defined by first and second side edges 390, 392, a bottomedge 394 and a concave surface 388 defining a curvature substantiallysimilar to that of the first and second wells 24, 26. The first andsecond side edges 390, 392 and the bottom edge 394 of the arcuate walldefine an engagement surface 396 configured to be selectively receivedby the intermediate necked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 14. Thearcuate dividing wall 32 can include first and second engagement members398, 400 that extend from at least a portion of the first and secondside edges 390, 392, respectively. First and second notches 402, 404 canbe disposed in first and second sides 406, 408 of the intermediatenecked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 818, respectively. The first andsecond notches 402, 404 are configured to selectively receive the firstand second engagement members 398, 400. It should be understood that thefirst notch 402 can receive the first and second engagement members 398,400 wherein the second notch 404 would receive the other of the firstand second engagement members 398, 400. In this manner, the concavesurface 388 of the arcuate dividing wall 32 can be oriented towardseither the first well 24 or the second well 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first and second engagement members 398,400 of the arcuate dividing wall 32 and the first and second notches402, 404 of the cooking vessel 818 have a substantially trapezoidallateral cross section. It should be understood that the shape and sizeof the notches 402, 404 and matingly configured engagement members 398,400 can vary. By way of explanation, and not limitation, the engagementmembers 398, 400 can have an arcuate or orthogonal shape or acombination of arcuate and orthogonal shapes. It should also beunderstood, that the shape of the notches 402, 404 can be different fromthe shape of the engagement members 398, 400 so long as the notches 402,404 are configured to receive the first and second engagement members398, 400. In this manner, the shape of the notches 402, 404 and theshape of the engagement members 398, 400 can differ without decreasingthe efficiency or usefulness of the cooking appliance kit 10.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS.13 and 17, one or more gaskets 420 can be disposed on at least a portionof the engagement surface 396. The one or more gaskets 420 run along theengagement surface 396 and substantially follow the curvature of theconcave surface 388 of the arcuate dividing wall 32. In alternateembodiments, the gasket 420 is made to be disposed only on the first andsecond side edges 390, 392 of the engagement surface 396. Alternatively,in other embodiments, the gasket 420 may be disposed only on the bottomedge 394 of the engagement surface 396.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, the two or more gaskets 420 extend from theengagement surface 396 and are configured to be received by theintermediate necked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 14. It should beunderstood, that the number, shape and configuration of the one or moregaskets 420 can vary. By way of explanation, and not limitation, asingle gasket 420 may be disposed on the engagement surface 396 wherethe gasket 420 defines a linear protrusion disposed along the engagementsurface 396. In such an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of thelinear protrusion can include, but not be limited to, arcuate orrectilinear cross sections. In other alternate embodiments, the linearprotrusion can include an extruded cavity within the length of thelinear protrusion, wherein the coupling of the engagement surface 396 tothe intermediate necked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 14 can compressthe linear protrusion and define a seal between the first well 24 andthe second well 26. Alternatively, the gasket 420 may take on anon-linear configuration.

Referring back to the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11-18,the arcuate dividing wall 32 is made of a substantially rigid materialincluding, but not limited to, metals, plastics, rubberized materials,glass or ceramic material or other substantially rigid material. Thematerial selected for the arcuate dividing wall 32 should also be of amaterial that can substantially withstand deformation when exposed toheat levels experienced in kitchen cooking appliances.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 17, the illustrated gasket 420 is made ofa substantially flexible material such as a rubberized material orplastic material that can create the desired seal between the first andsecond wells 24, 26 when the arcuate dividing wall 32 is engaged withthe intermediate necked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 818. Inaddition, in certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the one ormore gaskets 420 may be selectively removable from the engagementsurface 396 of the arcuate dividing wall 32. In this embodiment, theengagement surface 396 can include a gasket receptacle portion 422 forreceiving the one or more gaskets 420.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the one or more gaskets 420 may beformed with and be an integral part of the arcuate dividing wall 32. Insuch an embodiment, it is preferred that the arcuate dividing wall 32 bemade of a plastic or rubberized material so that the one or more gaskets420 can create the desired selective seal between the arcuate dividingwall 32 and the cooking vessel 14.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11,13-15 and 18, the arcuate dividing wall 32 can also include a handleportion 424 disposed proximate an upper portion 426 of the arcuatedividing wall 32. The handle portion 424 can define an opening proximatean upper portion of the arcuate dividing wall 32. In alternateembodiments, the handle portion 424 can include a gripping ridgedisposed proximate the upper portion 426 of the arcuate dividing wall32. In other embodiments, the handle portion 424 can be a separate piececoupled proximate the upper portion 426 of the arcuate dividing wall 32.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8A, 13, 16 and 17, aconvex surface 428 of the arcuate dividing wall 32 is configured to besubstantially vertical, while the concave surface 388 is substantiallyslanted to match the frusto-conical curvature of the first and secondwells 24, 26. The substantially vertical orientation of the convexsurface 428 and the substantially slanted configuration of the concavesurface 388 defines a tapered vertical cross-section of the arcuatedividing wall 32 having a narrow upper portion 426 and a widened bottomedge 394 that at least partially defines the engagement surface 396.

In an alternate embodiment, the first and second sides 406, 408 of theintermediate necked portion 22 can include an engagement mechanism forreceiving the one more gaskets 420 of the arcuate dividing wall 32. Inthis embodiment, the engagement mechanism can include an engagementchannel configured to receive the one or more gaskets 420 of the arcuatedividing wall 32, where the engagement channel can at least partiallyinclude the first and second notches 402, 404.

Alternatively, the engagement mechanism can include an engagementprotuberance that extends from the first and second sides 406, 408 ofthe intermediate necked portion 22 where the engagement protuberance isconfigured to be received by the one more gaskets 420 of the arcuatedividing wall 32. In these alternate embodiments, the engagement channeland the engagement protuberance cooperatively engage at least a portionof the one or more gaskets 420 of the arcuate dividing wall 32. In thismanner, the engagement mechanism slidably receives the arcuate dividingwall 32 and the one or more gaskets 420 of the arcuate dividing wall 32.

In the various embodiments that include the engagement channel, thecooking vessel 818 can include first and second filler members that canbe slidably engaged into the engagement channels when the arcuatedividing wall 32 is selectively removed from the cooking vessel 14 tosubstantially prevent the contents of the cooking vessel 818 fromentering the engagement channel.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and17, the first and second side edges 390, 392 of the arcuate dividingwall 32 are contoured thereby defining an engagement channel 430 thatsubstantially matches the curvature of the first and second sides 406,408 of the intermediate necked portion 22 of the cooking vessel 14defining an engagement protuberance 432. In this manner, the engagementchannel 420 of the arcuate dividing wall 32 slidably engages theengagement protuberance 432 of the intermediate necked portion 22 anddefines a lateral interference connection between the first and secondside edges 390, 392 of the arcuate dividing wall 32 and the first andsecond sides 406, 408 of the intermediate necked portion 22. Thislateral interference connection substantially limits the lateralmovement of the arcuate dividing wall 32 within the intermediate neckedportion 22, while allowing the desired operable vertical movement of thearcuate dividing wall 32 within the intermediate necked portion 22.

As best illustrated in FIG. 12, the concave surface 388 of the arcuatedividing wall 32 and the second well 26 define a circular cooking zone440 that is configured to define the second mixing zone 372. The convexsurface 428 of the arcuate dividing wall 32 and the first well 24 definea crescent cooking zone 442, where the mixing functions of the cookingappliance kit 810 are substantially inoperable. As discussed above, thearcuate dividing wall 32 can be reversed such that the circular cookingzone 440 is at least partially defined by the first rounded end 18 andthe crescent cooking zone 442 is at least partially defined by thesecond rounded end 20.

Also, as best illustrated in FIGS. 8-11, the flared rim flange 348 ofthe cooking vessel 14 includes first and second drive arm receptacles450, 452. As will be more fully described below, the first and seconddrive arm receptacles 450, 452 are configured to receive the first andsecond drive arms 34, 36. The first and second drive arm receptacles450, 452 are further configured to selectively orient the first drivearm 34 over the first well 24 and the second drive arm 36 over thesecond well 26. In alternate embodiments, the drive arms can be switchedsuch that the first and second drive arm receptacles 450, 452 orient thefirst drive arm 34 over the second well 26 and the second drive arm 36over the first well 24.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 8-11, the first and second drive armreceptacles 450, 452 are substantially rectangular to match theillustrated first and second drive arms 34, 36. In alternateembodiments, the drive arm receptacles 450, 452 and the drive arms canbe rounded or have a different polygonal cross-sectional shape. Thefirst and second drive arm receptacles 450, 452 and the first and seconddrive arms 34, 36 cooperate to define a substantially close fit tosubstantially prevent the contents of the cooking vessel 14 fromescaping the cooking vessel 818 during use.

In other alternate embodiments, the drive arm receptacles 450, 452 caninclude receptacle gaskets that provide a seal between the first andsecond drive arms 34, 36 and the first and second drive arm receptacles450, 452, respectively. Such a seal can further prevent liquids andother contents from escaping the cooking vessel 14 during cooking ormixing operations, or both.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment, as best illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 19-22, the cooking appliance kit 10 includes a drive system40 where the first and second drive arms 34, 36 are configured to beremovably engaged and in operable communication with the drive system40. The drive arms 34, 36 may be laterally pivotable relative to thecooking appliance kit 10. It is also contemplated that the drive arms34, 36 could be independently upwardly pivotable. Further, the drivearms 34, 36 could be pivotable with the lid 46, such that when a userlifts the lid 46, the drive arms 34, 36 are also lifted. As shown inFIG. 19, the drive system 40 includes an electric motor 78 coupled withand in operable communication with a drive wheel 470. First and secondidler wheels 472, 474 are disposed proximate the drive wheel 470. Aplurality of wheel plates 476 are configured to secure the electricmotor 78 and the idler wheels 472, 474 to the bottom panel 70 of thehousing 12 within the secondary cavity 190. The wheel plates 476 areconfigured to secure the idler wheels 472, 474 and the drive wheel 470to the bottom panel 70 and also allow for the rotational movement of theidler wheels 472, 474 and the drive wheel 470.

As shown in FIG. 19, a drive belt 478 is configured to engage the drivewheel 470 and the first and second idler wheels 472, 474, and define anoperable communication between the drive wheel 470 and the first andsecond idler wheels 472, 474. First and second drive shafts 480, 482extend from proximate ends 484 at the first and second idler wheels 472,474 and are disposed co-linear with first and second rotational driveaxes 486, 488 of the first and second idler wheels 472, 474,respectively, to distal ends 490 of the drive shafts 480, 482 proximatethe first and second drive shaft openings 292, 294 of the top flange 38of the heating cavity wall 192.

FIG. 19 also shows first and second drive receptacles 492, 494 that arecoupled to distal ends 490 of the first and second drive shafts 480, 482wherein the first and second drive receptacles 492, 494 extend throughthe first and second drive shaft openings 292, 294 (shown in FIG. 10)and are further configured to rotate within the first and second driveshaft openings 292, 294. First and second grommets 496, 498 are coupledto the first and second drive shaft openings 292, 294, respectively, andsecure the first and second drive receptacles 492, 494 within the firstand second drive shaft openings 292, 294 while allowing the rotationalmovement of the first and second drive receptacles 492, 494 within thefirst and second grommets 496, 498.

As further illustrated in FIG. 19, to allow for the desired rotationalmovement of the first and second drive receptacles 492, 494 within thefirst and second grommets 496, 498, the first and second drivereceptacles 492, 494 can be coupled to an inner-facing surface 500 ofthe first and second grommets 496, 498 by a rotational sliding assemblythat can include, without limitation, ball bearings, cylindricalbearings, lubricated members, or other rotationally slidable interface.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22, the first and second drive arms34, 36 each include an engagement gear 502 disposed at engagement ends504 of the first and second drive arms 34, 36 that are configured to beselectively received by at least one of the first and second drivereceptacles 492, 494. In this manner, each engagement gear 502 is inoperable communication with at least one of the drive shafts 482, 484and at least one of the idler wheels 472, 474, and the drive wheel 470of the electric motor 78. Each drive arm 34, 36 contains a drive train506 having a first train end 508 including the engagement gear 502 and asecond train end 510 including a tool impeller 518 disposed atrotational ends 514 of the first and second drive arms 34, 36. A drivearm enclosure 516 is configured to receive the drive train 506 andsecure the drive train 506 within the drive arm enclosure 516 bylimiting the vertical and lateral movement of the drive train 506 withinthe drive arm enclosure 516 and also allowing the rotational movement ofthe drive train 506 such that the engagement gear 502 of the drive train506 is in operable communication with the tool impeller 518 of the drivetrain 506.

As shown in FIGS. 19-22, each drive arm includes the first and secondarm connectors 300, 302 disposed on the engagement end 504 of the firstand second drive arms 34, 36. Each of the first and second armconnectors 300, 302 can include a tubular channel 530 extendingvertically through the drive arm enclosure 516 proximate the engagementend 504 of the drive arms 34, 36 and a connecting assembly 532 having aconnector end 534 extending upward through the tubular channel 530 to aknob end 536 for turning the connector end 534. The connector end 534 isconfigured to be received by the first and second drive arm interfaces296, 298 in the top flange 38 of the heating cavity wall 192. Asdiscussed above, the drive arms 34, 36 are configured to engage thedrive system 40 and the top flange 38 of the heating cavity wall 192,such that the rotational ends 514 of the first and second drive arms 34,36 are disposed over central axes of the first and second wells 24, 26thereby defining the at least partially intersecting first and secondmixing zones 370, 372 within the first and second wells 24, 26,respectively (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, first and second tool receptacles542, 544 are disposed within the tool impellers 518 of the first andsecond drive arms 34, 36, respectively. The each tool impeller 518 ofthe first and second drive arms, 34, 36 defines first and secondrotational mixing axes 546, 548 that are selectively and substantiallyintersect the first and second well centers 356, 358.

In alternate embodiments, the drive system 40 can include a drive gearcoupled to the electrical motor 78 and first and second idler gearscoupled with and operably engaged with the drive gear where the firstand second drive shafts 480, 482 are coupled with the idler gears andwhere the drive shafts 480, 482 define first and second rotational axesof the idler gears. This embodiment can operate without a drive belt 478and can substantially prevent slippage between the drive belt 478 andthe first and second idler gears and the drive gear.

Referring again to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, when thedrive arms 34, 36 are selectively engaged with the housing 12 in thefirst and second drive interfaces 296, 298, the drive arms 34, 36 arereceived by the first and second drive arm receptacles 450, 452 of theflared rim flange 348 of the cooking vessel 14. In this manner, thefirst and second lid members 326, 328 are configured to define closedpositions wherein the perimeters of the first and second lid members326, 328 engage the flared rim flange 348 of the cooking vessel 14,without the first and second lid members 326, 328 interfering with theextension of the first and second drive arms 34, 36 over the first andsecond wells 24, 26, respectively.

As discussed above, and as further shown in FIG. 8, the selectiveengagement of the arcuate dividing wall 32 within the intermediatenecked portion 22 defines a non-mixing area within the crescent cookingzone 442. In this configuration, the first or second drive arm 34, 36that extends over the crescent cooking zone 442 can be selectivelyremoved without interfering with the selectively engaged first or seconddrive arm 34, 36 coupled to the drive system 40 and that extends overthe circular cooking zone 440 and defining one of the first and secondmixing zones 370, 372 within the circular cooking zone 440.

It is contemplated that drive arm spacers can be inserted into at leastone of the first and second drive arm receptacles 450, 452 when eitherthe first drive arm 34, the second drive arm 36, or both are disengagedfrom the housing 12. The drive arm spacers can be configured to have across-sectional shape similar to that of the first and second drive armreceptacles 450, 452. In this manner, the drive arm spacers canselectively and substantially occupy the first and second drive armreceptacles 450, 452 to substantially prevent contents of the cookingvessel 14 from being expelled from the cooking vessel 14 through thefirst or second drive arm receptacles 450, 452 during use of the cookingappliance kit 10.

Referring back to the illustrated embodiments as shown in FIGS. 8-9 and19-22, the stirring and flipping wands 42, 44 are configured forselective engagement within at least one of the first and second toolreceptacles 542, 544. The selective engagement of the stirring andflipping wands 42, 44 further defines the first and second mixing zones370, 372 (shown in FIG. 9). The selective engagement of the first andsecond drive arms 34, 36 to the drive system 40 further defines a mixingpattern of the first and second mixing zones 370, 372 wherein the firstand second mixing zones 370, 372 at least partially intersect. The drivesystem 40 and the drive arms 34, 36 are further configured such that therotation of the stirring or flipping wand 42, 44 connected to the firstdrive arm 34 does not interfere with the rotational movement of thestirring or flipping wand 42, 44 selectively coupled with the seconddrive arm 36 as the stirring and flipping wands 42, 44 rotate throughthe intermediate necked portion 22. In this manner, the first and secondmixing zones 370, 372 are allowed to intersect without the stirring andflipping wands 42, 44 colliding during operation of a mixing function atthe cooking appliance kits 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the drive belt 478 couples to the drive wheel470 and first and second idler wheels 472, 474 creates a commondirectional rotation of the first and second idler wheels 472, 474thereby creating a common directional of rotation for the remainder ofthe drive system 40 and the drive arms 34, 36. In this manner, thestirring and flipping wands 42, 44 can be configured to rotate in thesame direction (i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise).

In alternate embodiments, the drive system 40 and the drive arms 34, 36can be configured to have opposite directional rotations such that oneof the stirring or flipping wands 42, 44 will rotate clockwise and theother stirring or flipping wand 42, 44 will rotate counterclockwise. Byway of explanation and not limitation, this opposite rotation can beaccomplished by two drive belts where one drive belt couples the drivegear 470 to the first idler wheel 472 and the second drive belt couplesthe first idler wheel 472 to the second idler wheel 474. Alternatively,the configuration of the connection between the drive train 506 and theengagement gear 502 can create the opposite directional rotation of thefirst and second drive arms 34, 36.

In an alternate embodiment as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the drive system40 is disposed within the lid assembly 324 such that when the lid 46 isin the closed position, the drive system 40 is disposed over the cookingvessel volume 350. A service channel 560 is disposed within the lid 46and extends from the drive system 40 to the lid hinge 322 and into thehousing 12, such that the drive system 40 can be coupled with thecontrols 122 to create a fluid communication between the drive system 40and the controls 122 while still containing equipment and wiring withinthe service channel 560. A drive gear 562 and idler gears 564 aredisposed on the underside 566 of the lid 46 in an operable communicationwith the motor 78. In this alternate configuration, no drive arms arepresent and the tool impellers 518 and tool receptacles 542, 544 aredisposed at centers of the idler gears 564.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, when the lid 46 is in theclosed position, the idler gears 564 are disposed above the first andsecond wells 24, 26, respectively. The selective engagement of thestirring and flipping wands 42, 44 within the first and second toolreceptacles 542, 544 defines the first and second mixing zones 370, 372within the cooking vessel 14, wherein the first and second mixing zones370, 372 at least partially intersect. The lid 46 and the servicechannel 560 cooperate to provide rotational movement of the lid 46without interfering with the equipment and wiring disposed in theservice channel 560.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-47 of the illustrated embodiment, anotheraspect of the cooking appliance kit 10, includes a mixing tool setincluding a pair of stirring wands 42, a pair of flipping wands 44, anda pair of combination wands 590 having stirring and flipping surfaces.Each of the stirring, flipping and combination wands 42, 44, 590 isconfigured for selective engagement in either of the first and secondtool receptacles 542, 544 (FIGS. 19-20). In addition, each of thestirring, flipping and combination wands 42, 44, 590 includes asubstantially cylindrical coupling arm 592 having a first end 596configured to be received by either of the first or second toolreceptacles 542, 544 (shown in FIGS. 19-20). The cylindrical couplingarm 592 further includes at least one orienting surface 594, that caninclude a flat surface along the length of the coupling arm 592 that isconfigured to orient the stirring, flipping and combination wands 42,44, 590 within the tool receptacles 542, 544 such that the stirring,flipping and combination wands 42, 44, 590 are in a substantiallyvertical position.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 25-31, the stirring wand 42 includes asubstantially vertical stirring portion 602 configured to slide alongthe first or second rounded ends 18, 20 of the cooking vessel 14 and asubstantially horizontal stirring portion 604 configured to slidablyrotate over the cooking vessel base 352 (shown in FIG. 12). The couplingarm 592 of the stirring wand 42 is coupled with an upper end 606 of thesubstantially vertical stirring portion 602 at a second end 600 of thecoupling arm 592. The first end 596 of the coupling arm 592, asdescribed above, is configured to engage the first or second toolreceptacle 542, 544 (shown in FIGS. 19 and 20).

As shown in FIGS. 25-31, the substantially vertical stirring portion 602includes a first tapered stirring surface 610 defined by a first pitchangle 612 located proximate the upper end 606 of the substantiallyvertical stirring portion 602 and a second pitch angle 614 locatedproximate a lower end 616 of the substantially vertical stirringportion. The first pitch angle 612 is greater than the second pitchangle 614. As illustrated, the first and second pitch angles 612, 614are 60 degrees and 25 degrees, respectively. However, alternateconfigurations of the first and second pitch angles 612, 614 can beimplemented, where the second pitch angle 614 is greater than or equalto the first pitch angle 612, without departing or interfering with thespirit of the illustrated embodiments.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 25-31, a second tapered stirringsurface 618 is defined by the substantially horizontal stirring member604. The second tapered stirring surface 618 includes a third pitchangle 620 proximate the lower end 616 of the substantially verticalstirring portion 602 defining a wand base 622 of the substantiallyhorizontal stirring member 604, and a fourth pitch angle 624 proximate awand tip 626 of the substantially horizontal stirring member 604. Asillustrated, the third and fourth pitch angles 620, 624 are 28.7 degreesand 13.75 degrees, respectively. The third pitch angle 620 is greaterthan the fourth pitch angle 624. However, as discussed above, theconfiguration of the third and fourth pitch angles 620, 624 can varysuch that the fourth pitch angle 624 is greater than or equal to thethird pitch angle 620.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9 and 25-31, the selective operableengagement of the stirring wands 42 within the first and second toolreceptacles 542, 544 define the first and second mixing zones 370, 372that at least partially intersect at the intermediate necked portion 22(shown in FIG. 9).

In an alternate embodiment of the stirring wand 42, the coupling arm 592includes a vertical support member that extends along the rotationalaxis of the tool impeller 518 and connects with the tip of thesubstantially horizontal stirring member. In this embodiment, the firstend 596 of the coupling arm 592 engages at least one of the first andsecond tool receptacles 542, 544 in a substantially horizontalorientation. A curved realignment member extends from the first end 596of the coupling arm 592 and is configured to realign at least a portionof the coupling arm 592 and the vertical supporting member of thecoupling arm 592 within the rotational axis of the tool impeller 518(similar to as shown in FIGS. 32-39).

Referring again to the illustrated embodiments as best shown in FIGS.32-39, the flipping wand 44 includes a vertical support member 630 withan upper portion 656 that defines the coupling arm 592 and a lowerportion 658 that extends to a substantially horizontal flipping portion632 that includes a bottom surface 634 that slidably rotates over thecooking vessel base 352 (shown in FIG. 12) and a top surface 636 thatincludes a proximal portion 638, an intermediate portion 640 and adistal portion 642 where the height of the intermediate portion 640 isless than the height of the proximal portion 638 and the distal portion642. The height of the distal portion 642 is greater than the height ofthe proximal portion 638. The coupling arm 592 is disposed at the upperportion 656 of the vertical support member 630. The second end 600 ofthe coupling arm 592 couples to a curved realignment member 644 thatconnects the coupling arm 592 to the lower portion 658 of the verticalsupport member 630, and orients the lower portion 658 of the verticalsupport member 630 within the rotational axis of the tool impeller 518(FIGS. 19 and 20). The lower portion 658 couples to the substantiallyhorizontal flipping portion 632 proximate the distal portion 642.

As illustrated in FIGS. 32-39, the substantially horizontal flippingportion 632 of the flipping wand 44 defines a substantially arcuateleading edge 646 disposed proximate the bottom surface 634. A taperedflipping surface 648 is defined by the substantially horizontal flippingportion 632 where the tapered flipping surface 648 extends from thebottom surface 634 to the top surface 636. The tapered flipping surface648 includes a first flipping angle 650 proximate the proximal portion638, a second flipping angle 652 proximate the distal portion 642, and athird flipping angle 654 proximate the intermediate portion 640. Thethird flipping angle 654 is less than the first and second flippingangles 650, 652 and the second flipping angle 652 is less than the firstflipping angle 650. As illustrated, the first, second, and thirdflipping angles, 650, 652, 654 are 62.8 degrees, 49.8 degrees, and 38.8degrees, respectively. In addition, the selective engagement of theflipping wands 44 within the first and second tool receptacles 542, 544defines the first and second mixing zones 370, 372 within the first andsecond wells 24, 26 wherein the first and second mixing zones 370, 372at least partially intersect within the intermediate necked portion 22(shown in FIG. 9).

In an alternate embodiment of the flipping wand 44, the coupling arm 592extends horizontally from the first end 596 to the second end 600 thatcouples with the upper portion 656 of the vertical support member 630.The vertical support member 630 extends from the upper portion 656coupled with the coupling arm 592 to the lower portion 658 that iscoupled to the substantially horizontal flipping portion 632 distal fromthe distal portion 642.

As discussed above, in various alternate embodiments, the configurationof the first, second and third flipping angles 650, 652, 654 can varysuch that the second flipping angle 652 can be greater than or equal tothe first flipping angle 650 and the third flipping angle 654 can begreater than or equal to the first or second flipping angles 650, 652,or both.

Referring once again to the illustrated embodiments, as best illustratedin FIGS. 40 47, the combination wand 590 includes the substantiallyvertical stirring portion 602 of the stirring wand 42 and thesubstantially horizontal flipping portion 632 of the flipping wand 44.The substantially vertical stirring portion 602 is configured to slidealong the first or second rounded ends 18, 20 of the cooking vessel 818and the substantially horizontal flipping portion 632 includes thebottom surface 634 that slidably rotates over the cooking vessel base352 (shown in FIG. 12) and the top surface 636 that includes theproximal portion 638, the intermediate portion 640, and the distalportion 642, where the height of the intermediate portion 640 is lessthan the height of the proximal portion 638 and the distal portion 642.The height of the distal portion 642 is greater than the height of theproximal portion 638. The combination tool 590 further includes acoupling arm 592 having a first end 596 that is configured toselectively engage the first or second tool receptacle 542, 544 (shownin FIGS. 19 and 20), and a second end 600 that is configured to connectto the upper end 606 of the substantially vertical stirring portion 602.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 40-47, the substantially verticalstirring portion 602 includes the tapered stirring surface 610 definedby the first pitch angle 612 proximate the upper end 606 and the secondpitch angle 614 proximate the lower end 616 of the substantiallyvertical stirring portion 602. The substantially horizontal flippingportion 632 defines the tapered flipping surface 648 that extends fromthe bottom surface 634 to the top surface 636. The tapered flippingsurface 648 includes the first flipping angle 650 proximate the proximalportion 824, the second flipping angle 652 proximate the distal portion642, and the third flipping angle 654 proximate the intermediate portion640. The third flipping angle is less than the first and second flippingangles 650, 652 and the second flipping angle 654 is less than the firstflipping angle 650. As discussed above, in various embodiments, thepitch and flipping angles can vary such that the second pitch angle 614is greater than or equal to the first pitch angle 612. Also, in otherembodiments, the second flipping angle 652 can be greater than or equalto the first flipping angle 650 or the third flipping angle 654 can begreater than or equal to the first or second flipping angles 650, 652,or both.

As illustrated in FIGS. 40-47, the substantially horizontal flippingportion 632 is not directly connected to the substantially verticalstirring portion 602. Rather, a support member 660 is coupled to thelower end 616 of the substantially vertical stirring portion 602 at afirst support end 662. The second support end 664 of the support member660 is coupled with and defines a hub 666 where the selective engagementof the combination wand 590 defines a rotational axis of the hub 666that is selectively and substantially co-linear with the rotational axisof the tool impeller 518. The hub 666 is coupled to the substantiallyhorizontal flipping portion 632 proximate the proximal portion 638. Thesubstantially horizontal flipping portion 632 is configured to at leastpartially and independently rotate about the rotational axis of the hub666 between first and second positions. It is contemplated that thehorizontal flipping portion 632 can rotate about the rotational axis ofthe hub 666 at least 180 degrees or more, in various embodiments. Thecombination wand 590 can also include a ratcheting mechanism 670disposed proximate the hub 666, whereby the substantially horizontalflipping portion 632 can be configured in a plurality of positionsbetween the first and second position. Also, the substantiallyhorizontal flipping portion 632 defines the substantially arcuateleading edge 646 disposed proximate the bottom surface 634 of thesubstantially horizontal flipping portion 632.

As shown in FIGS. 40-47, the support member 660 includes an arcuatemember 672 that extends from the lower end 616 of the substantiallyvertical stirring portion 602 and away from the tapered stirring surface610 about the rotational axis of the hub 666 to an arcuate member end674. A spoke 676 extends from the arcuate member end 674 to the hub 666,and thereby provides structural support for the substantially horizontalflipping portion 632.

In an alternate embodiment of the combination wand 590, thesubstantially horizontal flipping surface 632 is directly coupled withthe substantially vertical stirring portion 602 at the lower end 616 ofthe substantially vertical stirring portion 602. In such an embodiment,there is no structural member 660 and no hub 666, and the substantiallyhorizontal flipping member 632 is not independently rotatable.

Referring again to FIGS. 25-47, the stirring, flipping and combinationwands 42, 44, 590 can include a fillet portion 678 that is configured toslide along the perimeter fillet 354 of the cooking vessel 14 (shown inFIG. 9). In the various embodiments of the stirring, flipping andcombination wands 42, 44, 590, the fillet portion 678 can be disposed onthe lower end 616 of the substantially vertical stirring portion 602,the proximal portion 638 of the substantially horizontal flipping member632 or at the connection between the substantially vertical stirringportion 602 and the substantially horizontal flipping member 632.

In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 25-47, the coupling arms592 of the stirring, flipping and combination wands 42, 44, 590 are madeof substantially rigid materials that include, but are not limited to,metals and plastics. The substantially vertical portions and thesubstantially horizontal portions that are configured to engage thecooking vessel 14 can be made of materials that include, but are notlimited to, plastics, ceramics, rubberized materials, or coated metalsthat will permit the slidable movement of the stirring, flipping andcombination wands 42, 44, 590 within the cooking vessel 14 and will notsubstantially scratch or otherwise mar the first and second wells 24, 26of the cooking vessel 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 48-49, and as discussed above, the userinterface 254 can be disposed on the housing exterior 124 proximate thefront panel 110, wherein the user interface 254 is configured to controlthe various cooking and mixing functions of the cooking appliance kit10. In one embodiment of the user interface 254, a designated premiuminterface 700 can be included with the cooking appliance kit 10. Thepremium interface 700 can include various features that include, but arenot limited to, a stirring interface 702, a heating interface 704, atimer interface 706, a program interface 706, and a power interface 710.

As illustrated in FIG. 48, the stirring interface 702 includes an outerstirring interface 712 comprising a selective click knob for the user toadjust the speed of the stirring function or to set the stirringfunction to an intermittent stirring configuration. A center stirringinterface 714 disposed within the outer stirring interface 712 can bedepressed to override the selected stirring speed and initiate a “QuickStir” function for a pre-selected number of rotations of the stirring,flipping and combination wands 42, 44, 590. The stirring interface 702contains both auditory and tactile stirring indicia 706 to the user asto the selected stirring function.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 48, the heating interface 704 can includean outer heating interface 720 having a selective click knob toselectively and independently control the voltage to the first andsecond distinct heater plates 28, 30 and thereby control the temperatureof the first and second wells 24, 26 collectively or independently. Theinterior of the heating interface 704 includes a heating power on/offbutton. In alternative embodiments, this power button can be also usedas the power interface 710 for the cooking appliance kit 10. The heatinginterface 704 can include various auditory, visual and tactile heatingindicia 724 that instructs the user as to the selected heat settings forthe cooking appliance kit 10.

As also shown in FIG. 48, the timer interface 706 can include an outertimer interface 730 to select the desired cook time or stir time for thecooking appliance kit 10. The interior portion of the timer interfaceincludes a visual display with timer indicia 732 that can instruct theuser as to the selected timer setting, the remaining cook time, and theremaining stir time.

According to FIG. 48, the program interface 708 can include a selectioninterface 742 where the user can select from preset recipes storedwithin a processor or can create a program sequence where mixing,heating and timer settings can be selected in a predetermined sequenceto accommodate the user's needs. “Forward” and “Backward” interfacemembers 744, 746 can be configured to allow the user to go through thepreselected program steps whereby the user can modify any of thepreselected steps programmed into the user interface 254. When thedesired program sequence is achieved, the user can select a “Finished”or “Done” interface 748 to finalize the desired sequence. Visual programindicia 750 provide the user with information regarding the programsequence, the time remaining in the program sequence, the steps withinthe program sequence, and the current step in the program sequence. Theprogram interface 708 can also include a “Learn” interface 752, wherethe “Learn” interface 752 can store a desired program sequence in theprocessor for later use.

In alternate embodiments, as shown in FIG. 49, a designated fullfunction user interface 760 can also be included that containssubstantially the same user functions as the designated premiuminterface 700. This designated full function user interface 760 caninclude substantially similar stirring and heating interfaces 702, 704with similar outer stirring and heating interfaces 712, 720 and similarstirring and heating indicia 716, 724 to instruct the user as to theselected heating and stirring settings. A program interface 708 is alsoincluded where the steps of a preselected sequence or a custom programsequence are indicated by a series of command indicia 762, shown in FIG.49, as circles, where each command indicia 762 corresponds to a selectedor predetermined command sequence. Program indicia 750 relating to thecurrent command sequence can be provided in a scrolling text portionwithin the program display. The program indicia 750 can also includevisual displays for the time remaining in each command sequence and theoverall time remaining are also included in the program display.Directional indicia 764 allow the user to navigate the various programsand command sequences to select a pre-loaded program or to create acustom program. The power interface 710 can be included between thedirectional indicia 764. Also, a “Quick Stir” interface 772, asdiscussed above, and a timed interface 706 can be included to select thedesired cook or stir time, or both. The “Quick Stir” interface and thetimer interface 706, as illustrated in FIG. 49, are included in theprogram interface 708. Additionally, the “Done” or “Finished” interface748 can also be included in the program interface 708.

As illustrated in FIG. 49, in alternate embodiments of the premium andfull function interfaces 700, 760, the directional interface 764 fornavigating the program selection interface can include first and secondrocker switches to navigate through the various command sequences andalso to set the desired time for each command sequence. In addition, invarious embodiments, the stirring and heating interfaces 702, 704 caninclude internal dials that can be turned to select the desiredtemperature or stirring configuration and where an outer ring includesthe stirring and heating indicia 716, 724 that instructs the user as tothe selected temperature and stirring configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 50-72, another embodiment of a cooking appliancekit is illustrated. The reference numeral 810 generally refers to thecooking appliance. It will be understood that features of thisembodiment may be used with previously disclosed embodiments and thatfeatures of the previously disclosed embodiments may be used with thisembodiment. The reference numeral 810 generally refers to an alternateembodiment of a cooking appliance 810 that includes a housing 812 havingat least one outer wall 814 that defines a heating cavity 816. Theheating cavity 816 is configured to receive a cooking vessel 818. Astirring tower 820 having a supporting foot 822 is selectively operablewith the housing 812 between a proximal position 824, wherein thestirring tower 820 is engaged with the housing 812, and a distalposition 826, wherein the stirring tower 820 is disengaged from thehousing 812. A base 828 of the housing 812 defines a foot receptacle 830for selectively receiving the supporting foot 822 of the stirring tower820 when the stirring tower 820 is in the engaged position. A mixing arm832 is hingedly coupled to the stirring tower 820 and is pivotallyoperable between a mixing position 834 that is defined by the mixing arm832 being engaged with a tower drive system 836 of the stirring tower820, and an idle position 838 that is defined by the mixing arm 832being disengaged from the tower drive system 836. At least one mixingwand 840 is configured for alternative removable engagement with themixing arm 832. A lid 842 having at least one lid handle 844 isconfigured to selectively cover the heating cavity 816. The housing 812can also include at least one appliance handle 846 disposed on the outerwall 814 of the housing 812.

As shown in FIGS. 53 and 61-64, the supporting foot 822 of the stirringtower 820 includes a base panel 850 for the stirring tower 820. The basepanel 850 supports the enclosure for the stirring tower 820, wherein theenclosure includes a primary enclosure member 852 and a secondaryenclosure member 854. The secondary enclosure member 854 is configuredto include a curved profile that matches the curved profile of an outersurface 856 of the housing 812 of the cooking appliance 810. The primaryand secondary enclosure members 852, 854 rest upon the base panel 850 todefine a drive system cavity 858 that houses a tower engagementmechanism 860, the tower drive system 836, and a mixing user interface1014.

Referring now to FIGS. 61 and 64, the tower engagement mechanism 860includes a spring biased latch system having an operable button orswitch 870 that is engaged to move a latch member 872 between a couplingposition and a release position. A biasing mechanism is configured tomaintain the latch member 872 in the coupling position. When the buttonor switch 870 is engaged, the operation of the button or switch 870overcomes a biasing force to place the latch member 872 in the releaseposition. When the stirring tower 820 is moved into the proximalposition 824, the tower engagement mechanism 860 is configured tointerface with the housing 812 and a latch receptacle 874 defined by theouter surface 856 of the housing 812. As the tower 820 is moved into theproximal position 824, an interference member of the latch receptacle874 first biases the latch member 872 into the release position beforethe latch member 872 fully engages the latch receptacle 874 of thehousing 812. When the tower 820 is fully in the proximal position 824,the latch receptacle 874 of the housing 812 receives the latch member872. The tower 820 can be released from engagement with the housing 812and placed in the distal position 826 by the user engaging the button orswitch 870 to move the latch member 872 to the downward releaseposition, such that the latch member 872 can pass by an interferencemember 876 as the tower 820 is slidably removed from engagement with thehousing 812. It should be understood that other engagement mechanismscan be disposed within the tower 820 to connect the tower 820 with thehousing 812. These engagement mechanisms can include clasps, hasps,clips, latches, and other interference type connections that areconfigured to selectively dispose the tower 820 proximate the housing812 in the proximal position 824. It should also be understood that invarious embodiments, the cooking appliance 810 does not include thetower engagement mechanism 860 as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 61 and 63, when the stirring tower 820 isdisposed in the proximal position 824 relative to the housing 812, thestirring tower 820 is in select electrical communication with thehousing 812, wherein the stirring tower 820 is configured to receiveelectrical power, at least from an electrical interface 890 disposedproximate the housing 812. In various embodiments, the electricalinterface 890 can be disposed proximate the supporting foot 822 of thestirring tower 820 and the foot receptacle 830 of the base 828 of thehousing 812, such that when the stirring tower 820 is selectivelydisposed within the proximal position 824 and the supporting foot 822engages the foot receptacle 830, the electrical interface 890 isengaged, and electrical power can be provided to the stirring tower 820.In alternate embodiments, the electrical interface 890 can be disposedproximate the location where the secondary enclosure member 854 of thestirring tower 820 engages the outer surface 856 of the housing 812. Inother various embodiments, the stirring tower 820 can include a separateelectrical interface 890, such that the stirring tower 820 can drawelectrical power from a source other than the cooking appliance 810,such as a household electrical outlet. A data connection can also beincluded in the electrical interface 890 such that data can betransferred between the housing 812 and the stirring tower 820, duringoperation of the cooking appliance 810 and the stirring tower 820.

Referring again to FIG. 64, the tower drive system 836 is disposedwithin the drive system cavity 858. The tower drive system 836 includesa motor 900 and a gearing system 902 that is driven by the motor 900.The gearing system 902 can include a plurality of planetary gears,wherein each of the plurality of planetary gears can be selectivelyengaged to provide different output speeds of the tower drive system836. The planetary gears are configured to selectively engage cogsdisposed on an inner surface 904 of a gear housing 906 disposedproximate the motor 900. It should be understood that different gearingsystems 902 can be included in the tower drive system 836 for thestirring tower 820. Such gearing systems 902 can include, but are notlimited to, parallel gear shafts, worm gears, and other similar gearsthat can be used to operate the tower drive system 836 at differentspeeds. In addition, it should be understood that the motor 900 disposedwithin the tower drive system 836 can be a multi-speed motor thatprovides for alternate output speeds for the tower drive system 836.

The mixing user interface 862, as will be more fully described below, isdisposed proximate the primary enclosure member 852. The mixing userinterface 862 can include a touch screen, physical switches or buttons,dials, or other similar user interface configured to operate the towerdrive system 836.

Referring now to FIGS. 50-52 and 65, the mixing arm 832 is disposed ontop of the stirring tower 820 and is hingedly connected to the stirringtower 820 via a hinge pin 920. The mixing arm 832 includes a rotationalhousing 922 that encloses the hinge assembly and a drive interface 940that selectively transfers power from the tower drive system 836 intothe mixing arm 832.

As illustrated in FIGS. 51, 52 and 65, the hinge assembly includes thehinge pin 920 that couples the rotational housing 922 to the stirringtower 820. A stop mechanism 924 of the rotational housing 922 isconfigured to engage the primary enclosure member 852 of the stirringtower 820 to define the outer extent of the idle position 838 of themixing arm 832. The mixing arm 832 is disposed between the mixing andidle positions 834, 838 through the use of a release mechanism 926having at least one release lever 928 disposed on the primary enclosuremember 852 of the rotational housing 922, wherein the release lever 928is rotated to selectively disengage the rotational housing 922 from aconnection pin 930 that selectively couples the mixing arm 832 to thestirring tower 820 in the mixing position 834. As the release lever 928of the release mechanism 926 is rotated, the connection pin 930 isdisengaged, such that the mixing arm 832 can be rotated into the idleposition 838.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 52, 64 and 65, the rotational housing922 includes a drive interface 940 that is configured to selectivelyengage a drive receptacle 942 of the tower drive system 836. The drivereceptacle 942 of the tower drive system 836 is disposed proximate a topsurface 944 of the stirring tower 820, proximate where the releasemechanism 926 of the mixing arm 832 engages with the connection pin 930of the stirring tower 820. The drive interface 940 of the mixing arm 832includes gearing that matingly couples with the gearing of the drivereceptacle 942 of the tower drive system 836. In this manner, as themixing arm 832 is disposed in the engaged position, the drive interface940 couples with the drive receptacle 942, such that the rotationalforce of the tower drive system 836 can be transferred from the stirringtower 820 into the mixing arm 832. The release mechanism 926 of thestirring tower 820 ensures that the mixing arm 832 is selectivelysecured in the engaged position, and the drive interface 940 issimilarly selectively secured within the drive receptacle 942 tosubstantially prevent slippage between the drive receptacle 942 and thedrive interface 940. The drive interface 940 includes a substantiallyarcuate outward surface 946 with cogs that are also substantiallyarcuate. The drive receptacle 942 of the stirring tower 820 alsoincludes an arcuate inward surface 948 having arcuate cogs that matchthe arcuate cogs of the drive interface 940. In this manner, when themixing arm 832 is removed from the engaged position, the drive interface940 can be removed from the drive receptacle 942 without the driveinterface 940 colliding with portions of the stirring tower 820 as themixing arm 832 is rotated to the idle position 838. It should beunderstood that the shape of the drive interface 940 and the drivereceptacle 942 can also be other configurations that include, but arenot limited to, tapered, angled, pointed, or other shapes that allow thedrive interface 940 to be easily removed from the drive receptacle 942without colliding with portions of the stirring tower 820. In variousembodiments, the drive interface 940 and drive receptacle 942 areswitched to be on the stirring tower 820 and the mixing arm 832,respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 54, 61, 62 and 65, the mixing arm 832 alsoincludes an arm enclosure 960 that is configured to enclose an arm drive962 of the mixing arm 832. The arm enclosure 960 includes a topenclosure member 964 and a bottom enclosure member 966 that cooperate toform an arm drive cavity 968 within which the arm drive 962 is disposed.The arm enclosure 960 is configured to engage the rotational housing922, such that a drive end 970 of the arm drive 962 can be coupled tothe drive interface 940 disposed within the rotational housing 922. Inthis manner, as the drive interface 940 receives rotational force fromthe tower drive system 836, the rotational force is transferred to thedrive end 970 of the arm drive 962, and is then transferred to a mixingend 972 of the arm drive 962 disposed distal from the rotational housing922 of the mixing arm 832. The mixing end 972 and the drive end 970 ofthe arm drive 962 are connected by a belt 974 such that a drive axle 976disposed at the drive end 970 of the arm drive 962 rotates cooperativelyand simultaneously with a mixing axle 978 disposed at the mixing end 972of the arm drive 962. In this manner, the rotational force provided bythe tower drive system 836 can be delivered to the mixing arm 832 alonga rotational drive axis 980, wherein the arm drive 962 transfers thisrotational force to a rotational mixing axis 982 through the use of thebelt 974 that simultaneously rotates the drive axle 976 and the mixingaxle 978 of the arm drive 962. It should be understood that a chain orother continuous member can be used instead of a belt 974. Additionally,in various alternate embodiments, a drive train consisting of variousgearing members and/or a transverse axle can be used instead of a beltdrive to transfer the rotational force from the rotational drive axis980 to the rotational mixing axis 982.

Referring now to FIGS. 54 and 68, the lid 842 includes a circular cover992 that is configured to engage the cooking vessel 818 when the cookingvessel 818 is disposed within the heating cavity 816. The lid 842 alsoincludes an arm receptacle 994 that is configured to engage an uppersurface 996 of the arm enclosure 960 such that the cooking vessel 818can be substantially enclosed during operation of the mixing arm 832when the mixing arm 832 is in the mixing position 834. In variousembodiments, a lid hinge member extends from the operable lid 842 to therotational housing 922 of the mixing arm 832. In such an embodiment, theoperable lid 842 is configured such that it is rotatable independent ofthe rotation of the mixing arm 832 between the mixing and idle positions834, 838. In this manner, the operable lid 842 is independently operablebetween open and closed positions relative to the mixing arm 832. Insuch an embodiment, a separate cooking lid 998 is provided to cover thecooking vessel 818 when the stirring tower 820 is not in use.

Referring now to FIGS. 50-59 and 66, the housing 812 of the cookingappliance 810 includes the substantially cylindrical outer wall 814having an aperture 1010 that provides access to the heating cavity 816defined by the cylindrical outer wall 814. A heater plate 1012 isdisposed within the heating cavity 816 proximate the base 828 of thehousing 812 and is in electrical communication with the heating userinterface 862 of the housing 812, wherein the user interface 862selectively controls the flow of electricity from an external powersource to the heater plate 1012. The heater plate 1012 includes aselectively operable pressure switch 1016 that becomes disengaged whenthe cooking vessel 818 is not disposed within the heating cavity 816.When the cooking vessel 818 is disposed within the heating cavity 816,the weight of the cooking vessel 818 presses down upon an upward biasingmechanism 1018 of the pressure switch 1016 to selectively engage thepressure switch 1016 and activate the heater plate 1012 such thatelectrical power can be delivered to the heater plate 1012 to operatethe cooking appliance 810. The housing 812 can also include an innerwall 1020 that is coupled to the cylindrical outer wall 814 proximatethe aperture 1010, wherein an inner surface 1036 of the inner wall 1020defines the heating cavity 816 of the cooking appliance 810. The innerwall 1020 includes a bottom wall 1022 that, with the heater plate 1012,defines an opening 1024 through which the pressure switch 1016 isdisposed for operation of the heater plate 1012 when the cooking vessel818 is disposed in the heating cavity 816.

The cooking vessel 818 includes a substantially frusto-conical wall 1030having a substantially convex base 1032 that protrudes upwards into amixing cavity 1034 defined by the inner surface 1036 of the cookingvessel 818 within which food items can be cooked or mixed. Volumeindicia 1038 providing information regarding the volume of contentscontained within the cooking vessel 818 are disposed on the innersurface 1036 of the cooking vessel 818. The convex base 1032 of thecooking vessel 818 is configured to match a convex upper surface 1040 ofthe heater plate 1012. The convex configuration of the heater plate 1012and the base of the cooking vessel 818 increases the contact areabetween the heater plate 1012 and the cooking vessel 818. The cookingvessel 818 also includes a rim that is configured to extend over theaperture 1010 of the heating cavity 816 and also selectively receive thelid 842.

Referring now to FIGS. 52 and 53, the stirring tower 820 and the mixingarm 832 can be placed in the proximal position 824 relative to thehousing 812 such that the arcuate surface of the secondary housing 812of the stirring tower 820 engages the similarly arcuate outer surface946 of the outer wall 814 of the housing 812.

Referring now to FIGS. 54 and 56, when the stirring tower 820 is placedin the proximal position 824, the rotational mixing axis 982 of themixing arm 832 is disposed over the center of the heating cavity 816. Inthis manner, the mixing wand 840 is coupled with the mixing axle 978 ofthe arm drive 962 and is configured to rotate within the mixing cavity1034 defined by the inner surface 1036 of the cooking vessel 818. Inthis manner, the mixing wand 840 is configured to stir the contents ofthe cooking vessel 818 at a predetermined speed.

Referring again to FIG. 65, the mixing axle 978 of the arm drive 962 iscoupled with the mixing wand 840 through an operable tool impeller 1060coupled with a lower end 1062 of the mixing axle 978. The tool impeller1060 includes a tool receptacle 1064 that is configured to receive aconnection portion 1066 of a coupling arm 1068 of the mixing wand 840,which can be the stirring wand 42, the flipping wand 44, or thecombination stirring/flipping wand 590, substantially similar to thatshown in FIGS. 25-47, and described in paragraphs [0138]-[0154] above.The tool impeller 1060 can define an impeller notch 1070 into which aportion of the coupling arm 1068 of the mixing wand 840 can be locatedto selectively secure a coupling end 1072 of the mixing wand 840 withinthe tool receptacle 1064 of the tool impeller 1060. In variousembodiments, the tool impeller 1060 and the tool receptacle 1064 have avertical configuration along the rotational mixing axis 982. In thisembodiment, the coupling arm 1068 of the mixing wand 840 also includes avertical configuration, such that the coupling arm 1068 of the mixingwand 840 can be inserted upward into the tool receptacle 1064 of thetool impeller 1060 along the rotational mixing axis 982 of the mixingarm 832.

In various embodiments, the tool impeller 1060 can be a separate piecethat is selectively and toollessly engaged with the lower end 1062 ofthe mixing axle 978. Separate tool impellers 1060 can be used dependingon the configuration (vertical or horizontal) of the mixing wand 840 tobe coupled with the mixing axle 978. As discussed herein, certain mixingwands 840 can include a horizontal coupling arm. Separate alternateimpellers, or impellers with multiple tool receptacles 1064 can beconfigured to accommodate these and other varying mixing wand 840configurations. In the various embodiments, each mixing wand 840includes a tool impeller 1060 that is selectively and toollessly coupledto the lower end 1062 of the mixing axle 978.

Referring again to FIG. 65, the tool impeller 1060 of the mixing arm 832includes a wand release 1080, whereby the tool impeller 1060 slidesalong the lower end 1062 of the mixing axle 978 and is biased in adownward position by an impeller biasing member 1082, such as a spring.To insert the coupling end 1072 of the mixing arm 832 into the toolreceptacle 1064, the user moves the tool impeller 1060 in an upwarddirection against the biasing force of the impeller biasing member 1082disposed in the mixing axle 978 to define a tool release position,wherein the mixing wand 840 can be inserted into or removed from theimpeller notch 1070 and the tool receptacle 1064. When the user releasesthe tool impeller 1060, the impeller biasing member 1082 of the mixingaxle 978 biases the tool impeller 1060 in a downward direction to a toolsecuring position, wherein the mixing wand 840 is selectively andtoollessly secured within the tool receptacle 1064 of the tool impeller1060 to prevent slippage of the mixing wand 840 during operation of thestirring tower 820. It is contemplated that the impeller biasing member1082 can be positioned in various locations in relation to the impeller1060, including, but not limited to, above, below or within the toolimpeller 1060, in various embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 61, the mixing wand 840 can include a convexbottom surface 1090 that substantially cooperates with the convex base1032 of the mixing vessel 818. In such an embodiment, food items arebiased down the convex base 1032 of the cooking vessel 818 and thebottom surface of the mixing wand 840 is configured to engagesubstantially all of the convex base 1032 of the cooking vessel 818 asthe mixing wand 840 rotates within the mixing cavity 1034. In thismanner, minimal amounts of the food items placed within the cookingvessel 818 avoid being mixed by the mixing wand 840. The mixing wand 840can also include one or more flexible or rubberized edges that serve toenhance the engagement between the mixing wand 840 and the cookingvessel 818 without damaging the cooking vessel 818 as the mixing wand840 slides along the inner surface 1036 of the cooking vessel 818. Invarious embodiments, portions of the mixing wand 840 can includeovermolded portions wherein the overmolded material includes, but is notlimited to, high temperature silicone, high temperature plastic or othersimilar heat resistive material. The overmolded portions of the mixingwand 840 can be those portions of the mixing wand 840 that arepositioned near food items placed within the cooking vessel 818, or thecooking vessel 818 itself. It is contemplated that in variousembodiments, at least those portions of the mixing wand 840 that engagefood items placed within the cooking vessel 818 and the cooking vessel818 itself can include a high-temperature non-stick coating.

Referring now to FIG. 67, the cooking appliance 810 can include analignment mechanism 1100 for aligning the mixing arm 832 over thecooking vessel 818, such that the rotational mixing axis 982 is alignedover the center of the cooking vessel 818. In various embodiments, thecooking vessel 818 can include a vessel notch 1102 for receiving aportion of the mixing arm 832 when the stirring tower 820 is in theproximal position 824 and the mixing arm 832 is in the mixing position834. In various embodiments, the vessel notch 1102 in the cooking vessel818 can be approximately as deep as the height of the arm enclosure 960or some lesser distance, such that the upper surface 996 of the armenclosure 960 is above a rim 1042 of the cooking vessel 818. In variousembodiments, the vessel notch 1102 in the cooking vessel 818 can also beused as a pour spout for the cooking vessel 818 when the user wishes toremove contents from the cooking vessel 818. In various embodiments, thelid 842 can also include a lid notch 1104, wherein the lid notch 1104 isconfigured to be received by a portion of the arm enclosure 960. Invarious other embodiments, the cooking vessel 818 and the lid 842 caneach include notches 1102, 1104 for aligning the mixing arm 832 withinthe cooking appliance 810, such that the mixing arm 832 is aligned byand surrounded by the vessel notch 1102 below, and the lid notch 1104above.

Referring now to FIGS. 68-72, the cooking appliance 810 can include analignment ring or an alignment hub 1120 that serves to align the mixingend 972 of the mixing arm 832 and the rotational mixing axis 982 overthe center of the mixing cavity 1034. In various embodiments, asillustrated in FIG. 68, the mixing arm 832 can include at least onepivot point 1122, wherein certain features of the mixing arm 832 can belowered on top of the cooking vessel 818. A pivoting alignment ring1120, which can be a separate ring or can be integral with the mixingarm 832, can be pivoted into selective engagement with the rim 1042 ofthe cooking vessel 818 when the stirring tower 820 is in the proximalposition 824. In such an embodiment, a separate mixing arm 832 can beindividually pivoted between the mixing and idle positions 834, 838,wherein the mixing position 834 is defined by the mixing arm 832 beingaligned within the alignment ring or the alignment hub 1120. Thealignment ring 1120 can also be an alignment hub in various embodiments.The mixing arm 832, in various embodiments, can be integral with thealignment ring 1120. A separate pivoting lid 1124 can also be pivotallycoupled with the mixing arm 832 and individually operable between openand closed positions, such that when the pivoting lid 1124 is in theclosed position, it can engage the alignment ring or the alignment hub1120 of the mixing arm 832 and an arm alignment feature 1148 disposed inthe upper surface 996 of the arm enclosure 960. Additionally, inembodiments where a pivoting lid 1124 is coupled with the mixing arm832, the cooking appliance 810 will include a separate cooking lid 998that can be used with the cooking vessel 818 when the stirring tower 820is disposed in the distal position 826.

As shown in FIG. 69, the alignment ring 1120 can be integral with themixing arm 832, wherein the alignment ring 1120 is configured to restupon the rim 1042 of the cooking vessel 818 to align the mixing end 972of the mixing arm 832 over the mixing cavity 1034. Such an embodimentincludes a separate cooking lid 998 that can be used on the cookingappliance 810 when the stirring tower 820 is distal from the housing812, or can be placed upon the alignment hub 1120 when the stirringtower 820 is being used in the proximal position 824.

Referring now to FIGS. 70 and 71, the alignment ring 1120 can be aseparate piece that can be disposed upon the rim 1042 of the cookingvessel 818. Various embodiments can include a vessel alignment feature1130 disposed proximate the rim 1042 of the cooking vessel 818 and acooperating lower notch 1132 disposed on a lower edge 1144 of thealignment ring 1120, such that the lower notch 1132 of the alignmentring 1120 engages with the vessel alignment feature 1130 to properlyorient the alignment ring 1120. The alignment ring 1120 can also includean upper notch 1134 configured to receive a portion of a lower surface1146 of the mixing arm 832 at an arm alignment feature 1148 and toorient the mixing arm 832 over the mixing cavity 1034. The upper notch1134 of the alignment ring 1120 and the lower surface 1146 of the mixingarm 832 can also include the arm alignment feature 1148 to furtherorient and align the mixing arm 832 in the proper position over themixing cavity 1034. In the various embodiments, the alignment featuresof the cooking vessel 818, the alignment ring 1120 and the mixing arm832, can include, but are not limited to, tongue-and-groove alignmentfeatures, cooperating notches and protrusions, alignment pins andcooperating recesses, and other similar alignment features. The uppersurface 1150 of the mixing arm 832 can also include an alignment recess1148 that cooperates with and is configured to be at the same level as atop edge 1138 of the alignment ring 1120, thereby creating a continuousseat into which the cooking lid 998 can be placed to substantiallyenclose the vessel 818 during mixing.

Referring now to FIG. 72, the mixing arm 832 can extend across theentire cooking vessel 818, wherein the lower surface 1146 of the mixingarm 832 includes two arm alignment features 1148 for engaging opposingsides of the cooking vessel 818. In such an embodiment, the mixing end972 of the arm drive 962 is disposed proximate a mid-point 1140 of themixing arm 832 such that the mixing axle 978 and the rotational mixingaxis 982 are disposed over the center of the mixing cavity 1034 and thecooking vessel 818. In such an embodiment, a mixing lid 1142 includeslid recesses 1154 for receiving the mixing arm 832 such that the lidrecesses 1154 of the mixing lid 1142 are configured to surround at leasta portion of the mixing arm 832 to substantially cover the mixing cavity1034 and the cooking vessel 818. A separate cooking lid 998 may beincluded that does not include lid recesses 1154 and that can be usedwith the cooking vessel 818 when the stirring tower 820 is in the distalposition 826 and not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 55, the stirring tower 820 includes the mixinguser interface 862 that includes a speed interface 1160 and a modeinterface 1162. The speed interface 1160 and the mode interface 1162 canbe disposed within the same mixing user interface 862 wherein a dial, aselection of buttons, switches, or a touch screen interface is disposedproximate the primary enclosure member 852 of the stirring tower 820 toallow the user to make the desired selection for the stirring mode andspeed. The speed interface 1160 includes separate speed selectioninterfaces that include, but are not limited to, slow, medium, and fast.The speed interface 1160 can also include a touch screen having a fingerslide interface. The mode interface 1162 includes a plurality of dialpositions or engagement members that define a series of modes for thestirring tower 820. These modes can include, but are not limited to,off, intermittent, increase or decrease intermittent modes, timed modes,reverse stirring modes, continuous stirring modes, and the like. Themode interface 1162, similar to the speed interface 1160, can include adial, buttons, switches, a touch screen interface, or other similar userinterface 862.

As illustrated in FIG. 59, the housing 812 of the cooking appliance 810also includes the heating user interface 1014 for the heating unit ofthe cooking appliance 810. The heating user interface 1014 can havevarious interfaces that may include, but are not limited to, a timeinterface 1164, a mode interface 1166, a temperature interface, a powerinterface 1168, a start/stop interface 1170, a program interface, andother similar interface portions that are configured to operate theheating functions of the cooking appliance 810. The heating userinterface 1014 can also include a display 1172 providing indicia to theuser regarding temperature, time remaining in a particular program, theprogram selection, the mode selected, and other information concerningthe cooking appliance 810. Additionally, the heating user interface 1014can include interface members for operating the mixing functions of thestirring tower 820, when the stirring tower 820 is disposed in theproximal position 824. In such an embodiment, a data connection isprovided between the stirring tower 820 and the housing 812, such thatwhen the stirring tower 820 is disposed in the proximal position 824,the data connection allows for communication between the housing 812,the user interface 862, and the stirring tower 820, such that theheating user interface 1014 can control the stirring features of thestirring tower 820.

In use, when operating the stirring tower 820 with the housing 812 ofthe cooking appliance 810, the user can slide, push, or otherwisedispose the stirring tower 820 in the proximal position 824, such thatthe supporting foot 822 of the stirring tower 820 is disposed within thefoot receptacle 830 of the base 828 of the housing 812. The supportingfoot 822 and the foot receptacle 830 can include various interferencemechanisms that are configured to selectively retain the supporting foot822 within the foot receptacle 830. These interference mechanismsinclude, but are not limited to, opposing protrusions, tabs, clasps, andother interference mechanisms. Once in the proximal position 824, theelectrical interface 890 between the stirring tower 820 and the housing812, as described above, is engaged and the electrical power can bedelivered from the housing 812 to the stirring tower 820 for operatingthe various features of the stirring tower 820. The user can then placevarious food items within the cooking vessel 818 and, using the userinterface 862 of the stirring tower 820, can select the appropriate modeand speed desired to mix the various food items within the cookingvessel 818. The user can also use the heating user interface 1014 on theouter surface 856 of the housing 812 to simultaneously cook the itemsthat are being mixed within the cooking vessel 818. The various cookingand mixing features of the cooking appliance 810 can be timed, orvarious pre-programmed or user-programmed cooking recipes or cookingcycles can be selected by the user, such that the user can place fooditems within the cooking vessel 818 and gauge the desired program, andwait for the cooking appliance 810 to complete the cooking and stirringfunctions of the pre-configured program until the program is completed.Upon completion of the desired stirring function of the cookingappliance 810, the user can then slide the stirring tower 820 away fromthe housing 812 to dispose the stirring tower 820 in the distal position826, thereby disengaging the electrical interface 890 between thehousing 812 and the stirring tower 820.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described device and other components is not limitedto any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the devicedisclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unlessdescribed otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merelyfor illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of thedevice, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooking appliance comprising: a housingincluding an interior cavity and an underside that defines a receptacle;a stirring tower having a supporting foot that selectively extends intothe receptacle of the housing to define an engaged position where thereceptacle of the underside conceals the supporting foot from view; amixing arm that extends over the supporting foot and is rotationallycoupled to the stirring tower, the mixing arm operable between a mixingposition defined by a drive system being in operable communication withthe mixing arm, and an idle position defined by the drive system beingout of operable communication with the mixing arm, wherein the mixingarm in the mixing position is positioned within the interior cavity ofthe housing when the stirring tower is in the engaged position; a lidthat engages the housing and selectively encloses the interior cavity,wherein the lid selectively covers a portion of the mixing arm in themixing position when the stirring tower is in the engaged position. 2.The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the stirring tower is inselective electrical communication with the housing, and wherein thestirring tower selectively receives electrical power at least from anelectrical interface disposed proximate the housing.
 3. The cookingappliance of claim 1, further comprising: a heating element disposedproximate the interior cavity; and a user interface in electricalcommunication with the heating element and the drive system.
 4. Thecooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the user interface includes aheating user interface disposed on an exterior surface of the housing inelectrical communication with the heating element, and a mixing userinterface disposed on an exterior surface of the stirring tower inelectrical communication with the drive system.
 5. The cooking applianceof claim 1, wherein the lid includes a recess for engaging a top surfaceof the mixing arm when the lid is in a closed position.
 6. The cookingappliance of claim 1, wherein operation of the lid between open andclosed positions is independent of operation of the mixing arm betweenthe mixing and idle positions.
 7. The cooking appliance of claim 1,wherein a user interface is disposed on an outer surface of the housing,wherein the user interface is in electrical communication with a heatingmember disposed proximate the interior cavity, and wherein the userinterface is in selective electrical communication with the drive systemwhen the supporting foot is disposed in a receptacle of a base.
 8. Thecooking appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a cooking vessel thatis selectively inserted into the interior cavity, and wherein thecooking vessel selectively receives the lid and the mixing arm.
 9. Thecooking vessel of claim 8, wherein the cooking vessel simultaneouslyengages the lid and the mixing arm when the stirring tower is in theengaged position, the mixing arm is in the mixing position and the lidencloses the interior cavity.
 10. A cooking appliance comprising: acooker housing defining a heating cavity that selectively receives acooking vessel; a stirring tower having a supporting foot, the stirringtower being selectively removable from the cooker housing; and a footreceptacle disposed in a base of the cooker housing for selectivelyreceiving the supporting foot when the stirring tower is in an engagedposition, wherein the engaged position includes the supporting footlaterally supporting the base relative to the stirring tower and whereinthe cooker housing is free of vertical support from the stirring towerand the supporting foot.
 11. The cooking appliance of claim 10, furthercomprising: a mixing arm hingedly removably coupled to the stirringtower; and a lid pivotally coupled to the mixing arm and operablebetween an open position and a closed position in which the lid coversthe heating cavity.
 12. The cooking appliance of claim 10, wherein thestirring tower is in electrical communication with the cooker housing,and wherein the cooker housing and the stirring tower include afastening mechanism for selectively securing the stirring tower to thecooker housing, and wherein the stirring tower can be removed fromengagement with the cooker housing by hand and without the use of tools.13. The cooking appliance of claim 10, further comprising: a heatingmember disposed proximate the heating cavity; and a user interface inelectrical communication with the heating member and a drive system. 14.The cooking appliance of claim 13, wherein the user interface includes aheating user interface disposed on an exterior surface of the cookerhousing in electrical communication with the heating member, and amixing user interface disposed on an exterior surface of the stirringtower and in electrical communication with the drive system.
 15. Thecooking appliance of claim 11, wherein the lid selectively extends overa top surface of the mixing arm when the lid is in the closed position.16. The cooking appliance of claim 11, further comprising: at least onemixing wand removably engaged with the mixing arm, wherein the at leastone mixing wand is selected from a group consisting of: a flipping wand,a stirring wand, and a combination flipping and stirring wand.
 17. Thecooking appliance of claim 15, wherein the lid and the mixing armselectively operate independent of one another such that operation ofthe lid between the open and closed positions is independent ofoperation of the mixing arm between a mixing state and an idle state.18. A cooking appliance comprising: a stirring tower having a supportingfoot; a housing removably coupled with the stirring tower and includingat least one outer wall defining a heating cavity that selectivelyreceives a cooking vessel; and an alignment receptacle disposed in abase of the housing for selectively engaging the supporting foot whenthe housing is in an engaged position with the stirring tower, whereinthe engaged position places the entire supporting foot under the housingand within the alignment receptacle.
 19. The cooking appliance of claim18, further comprising: a mixing arm removably coupled to the stirringtower and including at least one removable mixing wand; and a lidoperable between an open position and a closed position in which the lidcovers the heating cavity and a portion of the mixing arm.
 20. Thecooking appliance of claim 19, wherein the supporting foot includes analignment seat that selectively engages the alignment receptacle andproperly positions the heating cavity under the mixing arm.